Diplomat Correspondent
JAMMU, DD, On the occasion of the 61st Raising Day of the Border Security Force (BSF), V. K. Sharma, Retired DIGP and Chairman of the Ex-Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF), paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the force.
He extended heartfelt homage to all those who laid down their lives in service of the nation and saluted the courage of the Veer Naris, acknowledging their strength, resilience, and sacrifice.
Addressing a press conference today, Sharma praised the BSF for its unwavering vigilance, unmatched dedication, and steadfast commitment to the sovereignty and security of the country.
He conveyed his congratulations to officers, subordinate officers, and jawans, reinforcing the significance of the BSF’s inspiring motto, “Duty Unto Death.”
Sharma, along with other senior members of the Ex-Central Paramilitary Forces, raised several pressing concerns affecting BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles personnel.
He referred to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Order No. 1 dated November 23, 2012, which had approved the Ministry of Home Affairs’ proposal asking states and UT administrations to extend benefits to CAPF personnel on par with those given to ex-servicemen of the defence forces.
He urged the Government to ensure that these directives are fully implemented across all Union Territories and states.
VK Sharma further emphasized that although forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles are recognized as Armed Forces of the Union, their service and post-retirement benefits remain governed under different rules. CAPF personnel continue to receive benefits under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, which are not at par with those given to defence personnel.
Sharma argued that this disparity demands urgent reconsideration, as CAPF personnel serve under similarly challenging and high-risk conditions.
The leaders also highlighted pending issues related to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, pointing out that the arrears for 18 months are yet to be released.
They stressed that the pending dues must be cleared immediately, noting that this issue affects nearly 65 lakh central government employees.
They demanded that CAPF personnel be granted One Rank, One Pension (OROP) or an equivalent structured benefit, along with the release of all pending arrears and family-related dues by December 2025.
Other prominent members present at the press conference included Harinder Mahajan (Chief Adviser, CPMF J&K UT), Kirtan Singh, Darshan Chauhan (General Secretary, CPMF J&K UT), Harbans Lal (Vice President, CPMF J&K UT), Noor Mohammad (General Secretary, CPMF J&K UT), Insp. Yash Pal, Nannu Thappa, Lovely Pandita, and Harvinder Kour.
They collectively appealed to the Government of India to address long-pending grievances and ensure justice, parity, and dignity for serving and retired CAPF personnel.DD
